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The San Jose State University volleyball team has faced numerous match boycotts due to the presence of a reported transgender player, Blaire Fleming in its roster. So far in the season, numerous teams such as Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State, and Southern Utah have forfeited their matches against SJSU.
The issue in the collegiate volleyball circuit further escalated after the University's clash against San Diego State. During the match, one of Fleming's shots hit State's Kiera Herron which led to her immediate fall on the ground.
Following this incident, Fleming's teammate, Brooke Slusser has also raised questions on the safety of female athletes due to the inclusion of reported transgender athletes in women's sports.
Amid these match forfeitures, SJSU also suspended its volleyball head coach, Melissa Batie-Smoose, who seemingly spoke out against Fleming. This came just a few days after the former head coach joined a Title IX objection against the University.
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As per reports, Batie-Smoose had accused Fleming of violating the team rules by leaving the hotel before the team's match against Colorado State. Batie-Smoose also spoke about the toxic team environment due to the presence of Blaire Fleming on the team in an interview. The University stated the following after the claims made by Batie-Smoose (via Outkick):
"San José State takes all reports and complaints seriously and is reviewing them. Due to federal and state privacy laws, the University is not able to comment on active reports or complaints"
The University suspended Batie-Smoose for an unspecified time a few days later, citing the reason of breaching employee privacy.
University officials have not shared any elaborate details about this suspension. However, in a statement to Outkick, the University stated that Batie-Smoose is not on the team roster currently.
"The associate head coach of the San Jose State University women’s volleyball team is not with the team at this time, and we will not provide further information on this matter" the statement stated.
Batie-Smoose is one of the most experienced coaches in the collegiate volleyball circuit. Having previously served as the head coach of the Fairfield Volleyball team, Batie-Smoose joined the SJSU program last year.
Blaire Fleming also faced controversy during SJSU's clash against New Mexico
One of Blaire Fleming's spikes against the New Mexico Lobos also faced heat from the volleyball circuit. This comes after the smash hit an opposition player's body leading to her immediate tumble to the ground.
Former professional swimmer Riley Gaines raised questions over the inclusion of Fleming in a women's match. Gaines wrote in a post on X:
"If you're wondering why teams are forfeiting against @SJSU, here's the reason. It's unfair, unsafe, and regressive, yet our "leaders" remain silent."
Blaire Fleming registered a good performance in her team's 3-1 victory against the Lobos with 18 points. Brooke Bryant also played a crucial role in the team's victory with 14 points to her name.
